PowerConneX’s Natural Gas Plant to Support Ohio Data Centers
In response to the escalating electricity demands of Ohio’s burgeoning data center industry, EdgeConneX has proposed the construction of a 120-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant through its affiliate, PowerConneX. This facility aims to provide a reliable energy source for data centers, particularly in regions where the existing electrical grid is under strain due to rapid technological growth.Licking County Reporting+5Data Center Dynamics+5Power Engineering+5
The proposed plant, known as the PowerConneX New Albany Energy Center, will be situated on approximately 48.6 acres in New Albany, Licking County, Ohio. It is designed to serve as the primary power source for a data center on the same site, offering a dependable supply of electricity that is less susceptible to the intermittency issues associated with some renewable energy sources. Hgbr+10EdgeConneX+10American Public Power Association+10Business Insider+6American Public Power Association+6Hgbr+6
This initiative reflects a broader trend in Ohio, where the state is experiencing a significant increase in data center construction driven by the AI boom and digital infrastructure expansion. While this growth brings economic opportunities, it also presents challenges in meeting the substantial energy requirements of these facilities. The development of dedicated natural gas power plants like PowerConneX’s project represents one strategy to address these challenges by providing targeted energy solutions for high-demand industries.Licking County Reporting+6American Public Power Association+6The Advocate+6
However, the reliance on natural gas also raises environmental considerations, particularly concerning carbon emissions. As such, ongoing discussions in Ohio focus on balancing the energy needs of the data center industry with environmental sustainability goals. Some data centers are planned using stranded natural gas which has some interesting positive environmental impacts.
Stranded natural gas is natural gas that is found in remote or underdeveloped areas where it is not economically feasible to transport it to market using pipelines or other infrastructure. This gas is often “stranded” because of high transportation costs, lack of demand nearby, or regulatory and environmental barriers.
Why Is It Important?
Stranded gas is a major global issue—billions of cubic feet are either left unused or burned off (flared), wasting energy and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. However, new technologies and industries are finding ways to tap into this underutilized energy source.
How It Supports Data Centers
Data centers require a continuous, stable, and cost-effective source of electricity. Here’s how stranded gas helps:
1. On-Site Power Generation
Stranded gas can be converted into electricity using mobile or modular generators placed near the gas source. This allows for a reliable, off-grid power supply—ideal for remote data centers.
2. Cost Savings
Since stranded gas is typically wasted, it can be acquired at a lower cost. Using it to generate electricity reduces both energy costs and waste, making data centers more efficient.
3. Reduced Emissions
Burning stranded gas for power (rather than flaring it) is more environmentally friendly. Some companies use it to power green data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations as part of their sustainability strategies.
4. Energy Independence
Using stranded gas gives data centers a self-sufficient energy supply, reducing dependence on grid power, which may be unstable or expensive in certain areas.
Real-World Use
Several companies are already using stranded natural gas to power Bitcoin mining rigs, and this model is now expanding to traditional data centers—especially in areas with limited infrastructure but large energy needs.
